GASP 2010:  What a trip!           By Don Cook

Eight days and 635 km's later the 2010 Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal tour is over and what a trip it was.  Blue skies, big clouds, thunder, lightning, rain, headwinds, tailwinds, straight roads, winding roads, rolling hills, gravel, road construction, fresh hot-mix asphalt -- we had it all.

This year’s tour started and ended in the town of Outlook, who were so kind as to provide us with a hearty breakfast prior to our departure and a reception on our return.  Outlook has heart and there is no doubt that our rider’s appreciated their hospitality.  The tour took cyclists on a winding route along the South Saskatchewan River valley with crossings by bridge and ferry.  Thirty-four cyclists ranging in age from 20 to 70 took part with participants attending from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.  A big part of the enjoyment of the tour is discovering the great places and great people of Saskatchewan. 

Oh, did I mention food?  The GASPer’s descend like a hoard of locusts on rural restaurants, saloons and the Co-Op store, devouring all forms of food a beverage in its path.  If you are ever in a small Saskatchewan town and there is no ice-cream available, you will know that the GASP tour has recently passed through.

If you want to get a flavour or the tour, a Shutterfly site has been set up for tour participants to post their photos and for everyone to view.  It can be found at 2010gaspparticipants.shutterfly.com.  As well, a video has been created and posted to YouTube.  Search for “Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal”.

Where are we going in 2011?  Last fall the GASP Tour planning committee set a tour schedule for the next two year.  It was decided that in 2011 that the tour would travel the roads of Saskatchewan's North East and the following year head South of the Trans-Canada to explore the Frenchman River Valley, Grasslands, and Cypress Hills.  Stay tuned for details of these tours as they unfold.

On a personal note I find inspiration from my fellow GASPer's that propels me for the whole year.  The sheer joy that they each bring to every day of the tour is good for my spirit.  I am privileged to know your acquaintance and to share each day on the road with you.  It is truly a blessing.  Let's do it again next year!